This past Sunday, the pastor of our new church presented everyone with what he called a spiritual progress report. It is that time of year when students are bringing home progress reports from schools, and I suppose he thought it appropriate to include this spiritual report card into the mix. It seems like the years have been full of trials in the Lance home, things that seem to be beyond human control, any choice we might have made, or as a result of other people's decisions. How does one handle continuous testing? What can a person say that will come close to comfort? A God who is supposed to control all things, can intervene IF he wants to, but chooses not to do so, or waits until the very last minute, during which time misery takes place...what does a person say? Sometimes the pat answers do not suffice...like: "Just trust God, He does love you," or "God works all things together for good," or "It's a time to see God work in miraculous ways," or "God is preparing you for eternity," or I love this one, "It must mean that there is sin in your life that you have not dealt with or confessed." When the testing times seem to run together with not much of a break in between, and you are left looking up to the sky and asking "WHY?", it's time to hand over a progress report and ask the person to evaluate themselves and give themselves a grade. I HATE PROGRESS REPORTS! But, sometimes they are necessary. Here is what was given this past Sunday.
PROGRESS REPORT: SELF-EVALUATION
1. The Test of Perseverance James 1:2-12
2. The Test of Blame James 1:13-18
3. The Test of Response to the Word James 1:19-27
4. The Test of Impartial Love James 2:1-13
5. The Test of Righteous Works James 2:14-26
6. The Test of the Tongue James 3:1-12
7. The Test of Humble Wisdom James 3:13-18
8. The Test of Worldly Indulgence James 4:1-12
9. The Test of Dependence James 4:13-17
10. The Test of Patient Endurance James 5:1-11
11. The Test of Truthfulness James 5:12
12. The Test of Prayerfulness James 5:13-18
13. The Test of True Compassion James 5:19-20
Some of you, after taking this progress report and reading these verses to find out what they mean, may fail miserably, some of you may ace them all at this point in your life; wherever you are in your spiritual progress report, one thing stands true, God's grace continues to abound. I may ask myself, "Is this really true?" But, if I am honest about all that has been good in life, from somewhere and some place goodness has and is extended. The goodness does not come from me; if I had my way and could be anything I wanted to be, I could be a real terror. But, compassion for others, a desire for the best in others comes from somewhere deep inside of me...that has to be goodness, but not goodness that I muster up myself, it definitely has to originate from another source. I have to believe that the other source must be God, and so my conviction that God is real is confirmed. Thus, what He says in His word is also confirmed. Sometimes, it is only by a thread that we hang on to what we know in our minds to be true. And so, the prayer was prayed as a congregational prayer, and perhaps if this prayer is prayed every day, the progress report will continue to improve over my life time. When we all reach heaven, we will all be in chorus together saying..."It's only by the grace of God we are here together," and hopefully God will be looking at us saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I love that part in the movie, Sleepless in Seattle, when the little boy calls the radio show, the dad gets on the phone, the show's host asks the dad what he plans on doing, and the response is that he will wake up each day, he will breathe, and place one foot in front of the other (something like that). Eventually, his hurt and pain disappears and his world is completely changed. Perhaps, some experience nothing but good in this life, while others put one foot in front of the other their whole lives, but one day, hopefully, that hurt and pain will disappear completely. I suppose that is the hope referred to by the authors of God's words.
PRAYER
"Heavenly Father...I submit myself to You. I ask You to drive Satan far away from me. And I come humbly into Your presence. I confess to You that I am a sinner. Please, God, wash my hands of my sin, and purify my heart and my deceitful mind. I am grieved by how awful my sin makes me feel. I'm broken-hearted by it. My pain is so real it brings tears to my eyes. I'm trading my proud laughter into gloom. I am completely humble before You, God, and I ask You to lift me up and restore my joy."
Maybe you are the person struggling, hanging on by a thread. This Thanksgiving you can be thankful for the grace God has bestowed upon you in many ways. Sometimes the little things don't mean much, like three meals a day, but in reality they are still God's grace shown for which we can be thankful. Perhaps you are full of joy and it's easy for you to find things for which to be thankful. Let that joy overflow and be humbled by all the joy that has been bestowed upon you. Remember those days, for they may be needed as reminders in days to come.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
INDIVIDUALITY OR NOT?
A liberal sociology professor in a prominent university of America, with Catholicism as his religion, wrote a book on the absence of passion within our country's citizens, especially among young college students. His desire to write this book came from classroom experiences in which he would, unapologetically, make adamantly known his dissatisfied views of America. He really didn't care if his students agreed with him or not; they were free to convey their views without penalty. What he found greatly disturbed him, his students took what he said as absolute truth, not questioning if their professor was correct in his claims. The purpose for sharing his views was to encourage and stimulate dialogue in hopes that his students might speak out and offer arguments in opposition to his position. It didn't happen. He decided to press the students to speak about their religious views and what their personal religions meant to them. Trite answers such as, "My religion emphasizes family," and "My religion allows me to live any way I please throughout the week," awakened him to the fact that an element of purpose for life is no longer existent in our society. He decided to introduce issues such as euthanasia, poverty around the world and within America, abuse, abortion, human rights, and other matters of concern. In the attempt to stir emotional response towards humanity concerns, he faced classrooms of students who only had blank stares on their faces and offered the following response, "So? What does all this have to do with us? We really don't care." Understanding the postmodern philosophies ramped throughout society, teamed with these encounters with college students, he decided to write a book about the absence of religion in our society; the absence of meaning and purpose to life beyond just ourselves.
One conclusion this professor came to concerning the lack of desire to involve ourselves in other people's lives stems from an understanding that it does not matter who people are, what background people have, or what religion a person practices, if religion is taken completely out of society, a passionless society arises; socialism is what he named it. However, he did mention that no one is exempt from some kind of faith. Some may attempt to flee from any faith at all, but faith itself cannot become extinct in anyone's life. With great depth, he shares his insights about what creates or produces passion. One idea presented and held by many, is that people create passion themselves and make life what they want it to be. Within this idea, the passion stems from following laws, the do's and don'ts of right and wrong. Another contrasting idea he presents suggests that a passion for life is not following laws, but in becoming who we need to be for a greater purpose and living life according to that purpose. It is also suggested that people do not pull the cart before the horse; that our lives are not meant to be on the search for something of passion so we can find meaning in life. Rather, our lives are driven by passion; the passions lead us to do and become what we need to be as people. He goes a step further and makes the statement, that for matters of worth to lead us, there has to be a source behind all that offers meaning to life. He supports this idea by boldly stating there has to be a higher power driving matters of importance that stimulate passion within people to strive for goals and accomplish great things in their lifetimes. As a Catholic, even though he admits to being extremely liberal, he also boldly uses an example from the Bible and names "God" as being the source for Christianity. He then concludes, if the source of people's passions is eliminated from society, people no longer have a reason to experience meaning in their lives, except to live unto one's self. Why should people care about what occurs to Christians in China, or the inhumane treatment occurring in Iran, the poverty within our own country, or even a neighbor who has lost a loved one?
What do you think? Would you agree that we live in a passionless society? Is passion associated with specific groups? Are flares of passion sent up only when we become uncomfortable, only to quickly die away because we don't have enough fire to keep the flame burning? Which argument might you stand behind: life is lived, conquered, and accomplished because we have made it what we think it should be, searching for meaning to life, or does passion grab our hearts, our minds, and our desires, leading us through life to become who we need to be? Do the issues of our country, our world, our communities, our churches, and our families arouse a passion in your heart? What gives your life meaning? Why? Where does it originate? What do you hope to accomplish from your passions?
Life is not just a matter of existence day to day. God was purposeful in his creation; he was purposeful in the laws he gave the Israelites; he was purposeful in his plans for the world; Christ was purposeful in every word he spoke. God is a God of passion, should we not be the same if we are created in his image?
A lot to consider. I have my work cut out for me this week, how about you?
LIFE IS NOT MEASURED...
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away: the birth of your child, the death of a loved one or pet, a new job, graduation, a beautiful new gown, big steps in your child's life, your child's struggles, a morning sunrise, a sunset, the smell of rain, an answered prayer...
Thursday, November 12, 2009
ADENOSTOMA FASCICULTA
I was reading this morning about a shrub, Adenostoma fasciculata. I would not have known about this plant except from the author John Muir in his book "My First Summer in the Sierra." This plant that grows in the desert "is very abundant on the lower slopes...forming a dense, almost impenetrable growth that looks dark in the distance. It belongs to the rose family..." It's not very high and has small white flowers. It "has small white flowers...round needle-like leaves, and reddish bark that becomes shreddy when old." Muir goes on to say that this bush often gets swept away by fires but is quickly renewed from the roots. Plants that grow amidst this Adenostoma fasciculata "also rise again from the root after consuming fires."
In this small section that Muir wrote, this plant can be related to people, especially Christians. Christians are abundant, and they do at times find themselves in deserts. But even as they live in deserts, they can still grow, flourish, and add beauty. Whether the Christian's deserts are the struggles they fight through one at a time, or the lack of Christian fellowship within a neighborhood, or a personal, spiritual, desert, a Christian who is living for the Lord will affect those around them, providing stability and the necessary roots needed for growth. Christians have been tested and persecuted over the years, being placed in spiritual fires, some in literal fires such as the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo. When faith is rooted deep in the grounds of Christ, not even the fires can completely destroy the Christian. They will rise up once again, quickly renewed by the roots in Christ they have established and become beautiful, showing off their glory as does this plant with small white flowers.
If you were to reflect back upon your life, what fires or deserts have you experienced over the years? How strong would you say your faith was; would it survive the fires of persecution, temptation, and other deserts? Would you have confirmation that your roots are deep and that growth continues despite the harsh conditions? Are there others in your life over the years that have relied on your strength and provisions for their own spiritual growth? Take the next couple of weeks to ponder some of these thoughts before we celebrate Thanksgiving. And then on that special day, as you remember the history for this holiday, celebrate and be thankful for God's work in your life.
In this small section that Muir wrote, this plant can be related to people, especially Christians. Christians are abundant, and they do at times find themselves in deserts. But even as they live in deserts, they can still grow, flourish, and add beauty. Whether the Christian's deserts are the struggles they fight through one at a time, or the lack of Christian fellowship within a neighborhood, or a personal, spiritual, desert, a Christian who is living for the Lord will affect those around them, providing stability and the necessary roots needed for growth. Christians have been tested and persecuted over the years, being placed in spiritual fires, some in literal fires such as the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo. When faith is rooted deep in the grounds of Christ, not even the fires can completely destroy the Christian. They will rise up once again, quickly renewed by the roots in Christ they have established and become beautiful, showing off their glory as does this plant with small white flowers.
If you were to reflect back upon your life, what fires or deserts have you experienced over the years? How strong would you say your faith was; would it survive the fires of persecution, temptation, and other deserts? Would you have confirmation that your roots are deep and that growth continues despite the harsh conditions? Are there others in your life over the years that have relied on your strength and provisions for their own spiritual growth? Take the next couple of weeks to ponder some of these thoughts before we celebrate Thanksgiving. And then on that special day, as you remember the history for this holiday, celebrate and be thankful for God's work in your life.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
WHO ARE YOU?
Last week I mentioned that I was reading a book, but could not remember the name or the author. I promise I did not make up a ghost of an author or reading material. Here is the information, and thus far, highly recommended. However, I must admit, it is only the introduction time has allowed me to wade through. I would like to continue this week with another segment from the book's introduction. Perhaps it will stir some thought provoking ideas about our views on society. From "Landscapes of the Soul, The Loss of Moral Meaning in American Life" by Douglas V. Porpora we are posed with the question, "Who are we"?
Not a person to support the postmodernist views, the author suggests that who we are as individuals within society has been lost in the overwhelming portrayal of media representations and group affiliations. "Sociologists typically see our identities as entirely constructed in what they call social space, the space in which our personal relations and group affiliations are laid out...These are all relational identifiers in social space. Who we are in social space is the intersection of all these overlapping roles." These roles he explains include categories of ethnic affiliation, family affiliation, Rotary or Communist Youth League. He goes on to state, "In fact, we will see that as long as we remain rooted in social space, we will never be able to give a complete answer to the Caterpillar's question posed to Alice (in Alice and Wonderland): 'Who are you?' Most people also think of their personal identities solely within the realm of social space - solely, that is, in terms of their social relationships and group memberships. As a result, when asked who they are, most people are as startled as Alice was to find they have no adequate answer."
Mr. Porpora poses the idea that as individuals we not only identify with groups, but also with values; a moral space. "We are what we stand for. We are the quests we are embarked on, the callings that move us. In moral space, our souls are like arrows that point to visions of the good. To know more deeply who we are, we need to know the moral directions in which our souls are pointing." If we are to speak of the moral space, we speak of moral purpose. "In the end, the moral worth of our lives must be judged not only by the values we have chosen, but also by the values we have declined."
What do you think? Do you spend much time contemplating who you are and all that defines you as an individual? Do you consider individuality important, or is your life defined by your involvements, organizations, church affiliations, doctrines, family roles, and so forth? Do you think individuality has a place in our lives? Does individuality have a place within the Christian church, or are we so united and bonded together that there is no room for exercising individuality? Would you say that society today as a whole has bought into a sense of who they are through media and this social space the author mentions? What moral values do you embrace? Which ones do you decline?
Again, I would love to hear some of your thoughts on such issues.
Until next time, my contemplations will be amongst colored leaves, brisk fall air, blue skies, full moons that light up the clouds, and the anticipations of coming holidays.
Have a wonderful week.
Brenda
Not a person to support the postmodernist views, the author suggests that who we are as individuals within society has been lost in the overwhelming portrayal of media representations and group affiliations. "Sociologists typically see our identities as entirely constructed in what they call social space, the space in which our personal relations and group affiliations are laid out...These are all relational identifiers in social space. Who we are in social space is the intersection of all these overlapping roles." These roles he explains include categories of ethnic affiliation, family affiliation, Rotary or Communist Youth League. He goes on to state, "In fact, we will see that as long as we remain rooted in social space, we will never be able to give a complete answer to the Caterpillar's question posed to Alice (in Alice and Wonderland): 'Who are you?' Most people also think of their personal identities solely within the realm of social space - solely, that is, in terms of their social relationships and group memberships. As a result, when asked who they are, most people are as startled as Alice was to find they have no adequate answer."
Mr. Porpora poses the idea that as individuals we not only identify with groups, but also with values; a moral space. "We are what we stand for. We are the quests we are embarked on, the callings that move us. In moral space, our souls are like arrows that point to visions of the good. To know more deeply who we are, we need to know the moral directions in which our souls are pointing." If we are to speak of the moral space, we speak of moral purpose. "In the end, the moral worth of our lives must be judged not only by the values we have chosen, but also by the values we have declined."
What do you think? Do you spend much time contemplating who you are and all that defines you as an individual? Do you consider individuality important, or is your life defined by your involvements, organizations, church affiliations, doctrines, family roles, and so forth? Do you think individuality has a place in our lives? Does individuality have a place within the Christian church, or are we so united and bonded together that there is no room for exercising individuality? Would you say that society today as a whole has bought into a sense of who they are through media and this social space the author mentions? What moral values do you embrace? Which ones do you decline?
Again, I would love to hear some of your thoughts on such issues.
Until next time, my contemplations will be amongst colored leaves, brisk fall air, blue skies, full moons that light up the clouds, and the anticipations of coming holidays.
Have a wonderful week.
Brenda
PASSION OR PASSIONLESS
A liberal sociology professor in a prominent university of America, with Catholicism as his religion, wrote a book on the absence of passion within our country's citizens, especially among young college students. His desire to write this book came from classroom experiences in which he would, unapologetically, make adamantly known his dissatisfied views of America. He really didn't care if his students agreed with him or not; they were free to convey their views without penalty. What he found greatly disturbed him, his students took what he said as absolute truth, not questioning if their professor was correct in his claims. The purpose for sharing his views was to encourage and stimulate dialogue in hopes that his students might speak out and offer arguments in opposition to his position. It didn't happen. He decided to press the students to speak about their religious views and what their personal religions meant to them. Trite answers such as, "My religion emphasizes family," and "My religion allows me to live any way I please throughout the week," awakened him to the fact that an element of purpose for life is no longer existent in our society. He decided to introduce issues such as euthanasia, poverty around the world and within America, abuse, abortion, human rights, and other matters of concern. In the attempt to stir emotional response towards humanity concerns, he faced classrooms of students who only had blank stares on their faces and offered the following response, "So? What does all this have to do with us? We really don't care." Understanding the postmodern philosophies ramped throughout society, teamed with these encounters with college students, he decided to write a book about the absence of religion in our society; the absence of meaning and purpose to life beyond just ourselves.
One conclusion this professor came to concerning the lack of desire to involve ourselves in other people's lives stems from an understanding that it does not matter who people are, what background people have, or what religion a person practices, if religion is taken completely out of society, a passionless society arises; socialism is what he named it. However, he did mention that no one is exempt from some kind of faith. Some may attempt to flee from any faith at all, but faith itself cannot become extinct in anyone's life. With great depth, he shares his insights about what creates or produces passion. One idea presented and held by many, is that people create passion themselves and make life what they want it to be. Within this idea, the passion stems from following laws, the do's and don'ts of right and wrong. Another contrasting idea he presents suggests that a passion for life is not following laws, but in becoming who we need to be for a greater purpose and living life according to that purpose. It is also suggested that people do not pull the cart before the horse; that our lives are not meant to be on the search for something of passion so we can find meaning in life. Rather, our lives are driven by passion; the passions lead us to do and become what we need to be as people. He goes a step further and makes the statement, that for matters of worth to lead us, there has to be a source behind all that offers meaning to life. He supports this idea by boldly stating there has to be a higher power driving matters of importance that stimulate passion within people to strive for goals and accomplish great things in their lifetimes. As a Catholic, even though he admits to being extremely liberal, he also boldly uses an example from the Bible and names "God" as being the source for Christianity. He then concludes, if the source of people's passions is eliminated from society, people no longer have a reason to experience meaning in their lives, except to live unto one's self. Why should people care about what occurs to Christians in China, or the inhumane treatment occurring in Iran, the poverty within our own country, or even a neighbor who has lost a loved one?
Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of this book or the author. I began it at 8:30 when things slowed down at the college last night and am unable to check it out until I get my ID. Monday I will be able to bring it home. That's the next chance I get to read it. However, what do you think? Would you agree that we live in a passionless society? Is passion associated with specific groups? Are flares of passion sent up only when we become uncomfortable, only to quickly die away because we don't have enough fire to keep the flame burning? Which argument might you stand behind: life is lived, conquered, and accomplished because we have made it what we think it should be, searching for meaning to life, or does passion grab our hearts, our minds, and our desires, leading us through life to become who we need to be? Do the issues of our country, our world, our communities, our churches, and our families arouse a passion in your heart? What gives your life meaning? Why? Where does it originate? What do you hope to accomplish from your passions?
Life is not just a matter of existence day to day. God was purposeful in his creation; he was purposeful in the laws he gave the Israelites; he was purposeful in his plans for the world; Christ was purposeful in every word he spoke. God is a God of passion, should we not be the same if we are created in his image?
A lot to consider. I have my work cut out for me this week, how about you?
Until next time,
Brenda
One conclusion this professor came to concerning the lack of desire to involve ourselves in other people's lives stems from an understanding that it does not matter who people are, what background people have, or what religion a person practices, if religion is taken completely out of society, a passionless society arises; socialism is what he named it. However, he did mention that no one is exempt from some kind of faith. Some may attempt to flee from any faith at all, but faith itself cannot become extinct in anyone's life. With great depth, he shares his insights about what creates or produces passion. One idea presented and held by many, is that people create passion themselves and make life what they want it to be. Within this idea, the passion stems from following laws, the do's and don'ts of right and wrong. Another contrasting idea he presents suggests that a passion for life is not following laws, but in becoming who we need to be for a greater purpose and living life according to that purpose. It is also suggested that people do not pull the cart before the horse; that our lives are not meant to be on the search for something of passion so we can find meaning in life. Rather, our lives are driven by passion; the passions lead us to do and become what we need to be as people. He goes a step further and makes the statement, that for matters of worth to lead us, there has to be a source behind all that offers meaning to life. He supports this idea by boldly stating there has to be a higher power driving matters of importance that stimulate passion within people to strive for goals and accomplish great things in their lifetimes. As a Catholic, even though he admits to being extremely liberal, he also boldly uses an example from the Bible and names "God" as being the source for Christianity. He then concludes, if the source of people's passions is eliminated from society, people no longer have a reason to experience meaning in their lives, except to live unto one's self. Why should people care about what occurs to Christians in China, or the inhumane treatment occurring in Iran, the poverty within our own country, or even a neighbor who has lost a loved one?
Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of this book or the author. I began it at 8:30 when things slowed down at the college last night and am unable to check it out until I get my ID. Monday I will be able to bring it home. That's the next chance I get to read it. However, what do you think? Would you agree that we live in a passionless society? Is passion associated with specific groups? Are flares of passion sent up only when we become uncomfortable, only to quickly die away because we don't have enough fire to keep the flame burning? Which argument might you stand behind: life is lived, conquered, and accomplished because we have made it what we think it should be, searching for meaning to life, or does passion grab our hearts, our minds, and our desires, leading us through life to become who we need to be? Do the issues of our country, our world, our communities, our churches, and our families arouse a passion in your heart? What gives your life meaning? Why? Where does it originate? What do you hope to accomplish from your passions?
Life is not just a matter of existence day to day. God was purposeful in his creation; he was purposeful in the laws he gave the Israelites; he was purposeful in his plans for the world; Christ was purposeful in every word he spoke. God is a God of passion, should we not be the same if we are created in his image?
A lot to consider. I have my work cut out for me this week, how about you?
Until next time,
Brenda
Thursday, September 24, 2009
BREATHLESS MOMENTS
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away: the birth of your child, the death of a loved one or pet, a new job, graduation, a beautiful new gown, big steps in your child's life, your child's struggles, a morning sunrise, a sunset, the smell of rain, an answered prayer...
I loved the quote above I recently received by a friend. Life is not measured by the amount of activities in our lives, the number of friends acquired, people's opinions, being employed or unemployed. Life is measured by the number of moments that take our breath away. This statement causes within me a desire to walk down memory lane and find all those treasured moments tucked away in my mind and relive them as if they happened just yesterday. No matter how many or few I find, I will treasure each one as brand new. I feel another journal is waiting to be filled. How about you? What treasures of breathless moments exist in your mental archives? I would love to hear about some of them if you are daring enough to share. Enjoy your walk down memory lane this week.
I loved the quote above I recently received by a friend. Life is not measured by the amount of activities in our lives, the number of friends acquired, people's opinions, being employed or unemployed. Life is measured by the number of moments that take our breath away. This statement causes within me a desire to walk down memory lane and find all those treasured moments tucked away in my mind and relive them as if they happened just yesterday. No matter how many or few I find, I will treasure each one as brand new. I feel another journal is waiting to be filled. How about you? What treasures of breathless moments exist in your mental archives? I would love to hear about some of them if you are daring enough to share. Enjoy your walk down memory lane this week.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
WEEDS AND WILL
If you had come to my house over the past two weeks for a visit, you would find me amongst a weed mine, sprayer in hand filled with poison, ready for the kill. Four days of fighting and killing weeds gives a person a lot of time for contemplation. Amazingly enough there is a tremendous correlation between weeds and our human will.
A great variety of weeds requires knowledge of each weed individually and the product best used to kill it. Many kinds of product line the store shelves, all of which vary just a little differently in amounts effective for the kill and the types of weeds responsive to the labors one takes to get rid of them. Some weeds do not require methods of poison, while others show their stubborness, not willing to give up the fight until several go arounds. Some weeds were very compliant in my hands, letting go, root and all, without any effort on my part, except to ever pull so gently. Others required a little more tugging and pulling, but would finally release never to enjoy the earthly nurture again. Others needed the shovel, digging down to the bottom to force these stubborn plants to die. And then there were the goliaths and the pee wees. Allowing the goliaths to become giants meant that no matter how much effort and work I gave, these called for something more potent than my brutal womanly strength. The small pee wee ground cover would mean tedious labor and many more days of work, when in reality, a squirt of potency could immediately dispose of them.
Many a sermon I have sat through hearing those audible comparisons between the analogies of sin and weeds, but as I worked in our weed mines, I realized that perhaps the more correct analogy entails our will and weeds. Satan thrown out of heaven was a result of willfully choosing to disobey God. Adam and Eve's disbarment from the garden was a result of a willful choice to disobey God. Sin is actually a result of our WILLFUL choices. The battle resides in our will to give up and allow ourselves to be released from the consequences of that which we desperately cling.
As people created in the image of God, unike the weed, the ability to learn and reason, placed in our minds and hearts, provides us with the capability to understand right from wrong and the effects of our choices. Perhaps full knowledge of those effects evade us to some extent, hindsight is always better they say, but we grasp the concept that if we make poor choices others experience the negativity. If we make good choices, sometimes requiring us to let go of that which provides no benefit whatsoever, everyone enjoys the beauty that becomes the end result.
Releasing the roots of our will requires an outside source. As a Christian, this outside source, of course, is God. The weeds of my mines had no intention of killing themselves, but rather they continued to spread their roots, permeating the ground, overtaking and stamping out the cool, soft grass that provides many benefits. Getting rid of these stubborn forms of life took my intervention, hard work, and many hours of labor. Similarly, the weeds of our will demand the intervention of God, his patience, his long-suffering, his love, and a life-time of labor. Perhaps the difference between an acutal weed and our will lies in our ability to respond to God's intervention. A battle exists between our will and obedience to God many times.
Certain kinds of weeds tend to be pretty, but only within a short season of time. Fireweed is a wonderful example. When in full bloom, there is nothing more beautiful than to overlook a field of brilliant pink and purple blossoms and thin stalks swaying in the breeze. Their blossoms look so dainty during their peak season, but quickly they fade away and return their true self...a weed. Their beauty withers and dies. There exists within each of us something that resembles fireweed. That which we cling to, which is only in reality a weed, seems beautiful and attractive, blinding us from its true self. The beauty withers away for awhile, but becomes beautiful again within a specific season. For this reason, perhaps, these weeds of life tend to be the more difficult ones to let go because their beauty continues to return, even if short lived. Humanly, we hang on to what seems to be worth the wait...the short lived beauty of what is only a weed. The battle becomes stronger over such things as fireweed. Their roots deeper and more pervasive, sometimes require a poison. I suppose our response to God's intervention of all kinds of weeds that permeate our hearts determines how much pain we must endure. God does the work of weeding, killing that which needs to die, but we carry the responsibility of response to His work in our lives. Weeds and Will...it is a battle, but a battle in which God does the hard work and we choose to relinquish the roots of our will and release them to His love and care.
I must insert, that as I write this analogy, I am talking to the preacher here, as they say. The battle rages strong. How about you? Are your battles easy, or do they rage like a roaring river? May we all acquire the desire to submit to God's grace, mercy, and love.
A great variety of weeds requires knowledge of each weed individually and the product best used to kill it. Many kinds of product line the store shelves, all of which vary just a little differently in amounts effective for the kill and the types of weeds responsive to the labors one takes to get rid of them. Some weeds do not require methods of poison, while others show their stubborness, not willing to give up the fight until several go arounds. Some weeds were very compliant in my hands, letting go, root and all, without any effort on my part, except to ever pull so gently. Others required a little more tugging and pulling, but would finally release never to enjoy the earthly nurture again. Others needed the shovel, digging down to the bottom to force these stubborn plants to die. And then there were the goliaths and the pee wees. Allowing the goliaths to become giants meant that no matter how much effort and work I gave, these called for something more potent than my brutal womanly strength. The small pee wee ground cover would mean tedious labor and many more days of work, when in reality, a squirt of potency could immediately dispose of them.
Many a sermon I have sat through hearing those audible comparisons between the analogies of sin and weeds, but as I worked in our weed mines, I realized that perhaps the more correct analogy entails our will and weeds. Satan thrown out of heaven was a result of willfully choosing to disobey God. Adam and Eve's disbarment from the garden was a result of a willful choice to disobey God. Sin is actually a result of our WILLFUL choices. The battle resides in our will to give up and allow ourselves to be released from the consequences of that which we desperately cling.
As people created in the image of God, unike the weed, the ability to learn and reason, placed in our minds and hearts, provides us with the capability to understand right from wrong and the effects of our choices. Perhaps full knowledge of those effects evade us to some extent, hindsight is always better they say, but we grasp the concept that if we make poor choices others experience the negativity. If we make good choices, sometimes requiring us to let go of that which provides no benefit whatsoever, everyone enjoys the beauty that becomes the end result.
Releasing the roots of our will requires an outside source. As a Christian, this outside source, of course, is God. The weeds of my mines had no intention of killing themselves, but rather they continued to spread their roots, permeating the ground, overtaking and stamping out the cool, soft grass that provides many benefits. Getting rid of these stubborn forms of life took my intervention, hard work, and many hours of labor. Similarly, the weeds of our will demand the intervention of God, his patience, his long-suffering, his love, and a life-time of labor. Perhaps the difference between an acutal weed and our will lies in our ability to respond to God's intervention. A battle exists between our will and obedience to God many times.
Certain kinds of weeds tend to be pretty, but only within a short season of time. Fireweed is a wonderful example. When in full bloom, there is nothing more beautiful than to overlook a field of brilliant pink and purple blossoms and thin stalks swaying in the breeze. Their blossoms look so dainty during their peak season, but quickly they fade away and return their true self...a weed. Their beauty withers and dies. There exists within each of us something that resembles fireweed. That which we cling to, which is only in reality a weed, seems beautiful and attractive, blinding us from its true self. The beauty withers away for awhile, but becomes beautiful again within a specific season. For this reason, perhaps, these weeds of life tend to be the more difficult ones to let go because their beauty continues to return, even if short lived. Humanly, we hang on to what seems to be worth the wait...the short lived beauty of what is only a weed. The battle becomes stronger over such things as fireweed. Their roots deeper and more pervasive, sometimes require a poison. I suppose our response to God's intervention of all kinds of weeds that permeate our hearts determines how much pain we must endure. God does the work of weeding, killing that which needs to die, but we carry the responsibility of response to His work in our lives. Weeds and Will...it is a battle, but a battle in which God does the hard work and we choose to relinquish the roots of our will and release them to His love and care.
I must insert, that as I write this analogy, I am talking to the preacher here, as they say. The battle rages strong. How about you? Are your battles easy, or do they rage like a roaring river? May we all acquire the desire to submit to God's grace, mercy, and love.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
SPECIAL GIFT
The whole process of becoming licensed to adopt children illumines the reality of spiritual adoption. The truth of knowing that as believers we are adopted into God's family, His church, somehow resinates within the heart with every believer. However, as with anything else, when a truth can be fully experienced in this life, those who have direct involvement in the process, the spiritual idea, thought, or reality becomes more vivid and a greater and deeper appreciation or gratitude fills the soul. I cannot understand a background of abuse, placing me in ignorance and blindness to some extent to the full meaning of some passages that deal with God's love for those in such circumstances. But then, there are those who have not walked in my shoes and may not share the truths in the same way I appreciate them. Thus, spiritual adoption over the last several months hits home a bit closer to the heart after walking down this path to understanding the backgrounds and the history of the kind of children perhaps joining our family within the next several weeks.
These children experience the darkest side of life imaginable; children not given the chance for a normal life from the day they arrive into this cold world; children who experience neglect of needs, or a parent leaving them on the step of some church building; children living through physical abuse due to alcohol or drugs, only to be taken by strangers from their home and all they have known and placed within a strange environment, all within a couple hour period with the possibility of never returning; children struggling with continuing to love their parents, yet knowing the safety issues of staying; children enduring the consequences of others behaviors, especially by those who are supposed to look out for their interests. Need I continue? These children then are placed in homes, most of which desire to offer a loving, safe, and welcoming HOME to them. If adoption for them is an option, these children are taken from such darkness into a new home that gives them a new name, a new life, a new family, a new inheritance, new experiences, and new blessings with opportunities for a better life. Love, joy, peace, happiness, safety, and security may be new, but over time will cause growth. These children must learn to accept what is given to them and to make the most of the new life in which they have been placed. Some will accept wholeheartedly and produce great fruit as they mature. It may not be so easy for others who think they do not deserve what has been offered, taking more time for the reality of a new life to sink into their being. And then others continue to be adamant about returning to what they know, what is comfortable, the old life where abuse, neglect, and hardship await. Appreciation for a new start and deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by a loving family are never considered.
Spiritual adoption is not much different from this earthly example. Just like a child who is chosen and placed in a new home by someone else somewhat coincides with God choosing us, removing us from our dark world of sin where there is abuse and hardship. We may not know any better or any other life and for us this darkness is normal. Each person's darkness varies, but God takes us out of that world and places us into His family; God, who is still somewhat of a stranger to us at the beginning. Our new environment may not be comfortable at first, or the excitement of all the newness lasts a while but may ware off after time and the reality of what is expected begins to sink in and causes us to wiggle a bit. Over time we learn what our new Father expects, the rules of living in His family, who He is as our Father, and all that encompasses His household. Some grasp onto this new life with enthusiasm and gratitude and flourish under His care. Others struggle with accepting all the goodness, love, and blessings bestowed upon them, not for any other reason except they are now a part of God's family and being given this new life freely, something they may not feel is deserved. And then there are those children who just cannot bring themselves to accept their new life and end up back in the world of darkness. Yes, their adoption is still legal, once a person steps into the family of God, they are forever a part of that family as are adoptive children in this earthly life, unless legal action is taken to break the agreement. It does not matter where that child is, what kind of life they live, unless the bond is legally broken, they forever remain tied to their new family. They may never again experience the blessings, the joy, the love, the safety, and the opportunities freely given to them causing them to live a life of turmoil and hardship, but they will carry on their new family name as an adoptive child.
Whatever the situation, each adoptive child experiences the blessings of their adoption at some point. Their new life contrasts with their old, and the free gift given to them can be experienced and lived out in a way that no other human being who has not walked in these shoes can do so. Each one of us has our own story, illuminating different realities of God's truths and experiences within His family uncomparable to anyone else around us. It is the joy of hearing, learning, and seeing how each one appreciates these truths and appreciates who our heavenly Father is, that causes us to grow in one family, share in the excitement experienced by our spiritual brothers and sisters, and causes us to grow closer, sharing our lives with one another. How does your adoption into God's family cause you to appreciate and experience gratitude beyond description for His free gift and many blessings that accompany this gift, which required great sacrifice from our Father?
These children experience the darkest side of life imaginable; children not given the chance for a normal life from the day they arrive into this cold world; children who experience neglect of needs, or a parent leaving them on the step of some church building; children living through physical abuse due to alcohol or drugs, only to be taken by strangers from their home and all they have known and placed within a strange environment, all within a couple hour period with the possibility of never returning; children struggling with continuing to love their parents, yet knowing the safety issues of staying; children enduring the consequences of others behaviors, especially by those who are supposed to look out for their interests. Need I continue? These children then are placed in homes, most of which desire to offer a loving, safe, and welcoming HOME to them. If adoption for them is an option, these children are taken from such darkness into a new home that gives them a new name, a new life, a new family, a new inheritance, new experiences, and new blessings with opportunities for a better life. Love, joy, peace, happiness, safety, and security may be new, but over time will cause growth. These children must learn to accept what is given to them and to make the most of the new life in which they have been placed. Some will accept wholeheartedly and produce great fruit as they mature. It may not be so easy for others who think they do not deserve what has been offered, taking more time for the reality of a new life to sink into their being. And then others continue to be adamant about returning to what they know, what is comfortable, the old life where abuse, neglect, and hardship await. Appreciation for a new start and deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by a loving family are never considered.
Spiritual adoption is not much different from this earthly example. Just like a child who is chosen and placed in a new home by someone else somewhat coincides with God choosing us, removing us from our dark world of sin where there is abuse and hardship. We may not know any better or any other life and for us this darkness is normal. Each person's darkness varies, but God takes us out of that world and places us into His family; God, who is still somewhat of a stranger to us at the beginning. Our new environment may not be comfortable at first, or the excitement of all the newness lasts a while but may ware off after time and the reality of what is expected begins to sink in and causes us to wiggle a bit. Over time we learn what our new Father expects, the rules of living in His family, who He is as our Father, and all that encompasses His household. Some grasp onto this new life with enthusiasm and gratitude and flourish under His care. Others struggle with accepting all the goodness, love, and blessings bestowed upon them, not for any other reason except they are now a part of God's family and being given this new life freely, something they may not feel is deserved. And then there are those children who just cannot bring themselves to accept their new life and end up back in the world of darkness. Yes, their adoption is still legal, once a person steps into the family of God, they are forever a part of that family as are adoptive children in this earthly life, unless legal action is taken to break the agreement. It does not matter where that child is, what kind of life they live, unless the bond is legally broken, they forever remain tied to their new family. They may never again experience the blessings, the joy, the love, the safety, and the opportunities freely given to them causing them to live a life of turmoil and hardship, but they will carry on their new family name as an adoptive child.
Whatever the situation, each adoptive child experiences the blessings of their adoption at some point. Their new life contrasts with their old, and the free gift given to them can be experienced and lived out in a way that no other human being who has not walked in these shoes can do so. Each one of us has our own story, illuminating different realities of God's truths and experiences within His family uncomparable to anyone else around us. It is the joy of hearing, learning, and seeing how each one appreciates these truths and appreciates who our heavenly Father is, that causes us to grow in one family, share in the excitement experienced by our spiritual brothers and sisters, and causes us to grow closer, sharing our lives with one another. How does your adoption into God's family cause you to appreciate and experience gratitude beyond description for His free gift and many blessings that accompany this gift, which required great sacrifice from our Father?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
PEOPLE, FRIENDSHIPS AND MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Contemplating friendships led me back to read a journal entry from 1994 that I wrote. After re-reading it, I find that the idea of a friendship and mountain wilderness connection still exists strongly in my thoughts. How do you feel about friendships?
"The mountains in their own way, even though they can be rugged, harsh, and steep can also be a contrasting picture of strength and gentleness. I tend to relate to mountains for I think that much of who I am is very much like the mountain wilderness. They appear to stand off by themselves, and only those that take the time and have the patience to learn about them know how to approach them, relate to them, and appreciate them. They can be difficult to get to know because the outer appearance has a tendency to intimidate people, but if a person was interested enough they would ifnd the quality of beauty that the mountains have and the vast variety they offer.
"The mountains are your friend for life once you have become acquainted with them and have learned to treat them with respect and admiration. What is it that the mountains have that can so be related to people and friendships?"
"Traveling into the mountains one must always be prepared for the unpredictable, the variety of weather conditions, the beauty of the dense forest and the beauty experienced at the top of the peaks. The lowest sections of the mountains offer a great amount to discover. Fields of wild flowers exhibit life that is tiny, vunlnerable, and precious. It's a beauty that can only be seen if a person gets back into this country. The variety of trees and plants lavish the lower elevations. Within inches something new can be discovered. It is peaceful, quiet, and restful when one is in the midst of all this beauty. It can be hazardous to one's life if one is not familiar with the dangers that do loom among all that is good. A person does not find this gentleness, beauty, color, delicacy, or fragility until they take the time to get back into the areas that no one much tends to venture. Are not people very much like this? Are not friendships full of beauty, discovery, and even danger? On the surface, people are like the mountains and wilderness viewed afar off. It takes adventure, time, and even a daring spirit to get close and discover the unfamiliar."
"The big picture of these mountains are such that they portray great strength and stability, unmovable, unconquering, and yet when you begin to know them they have the tiny, fragile flowers full of brilliance that give a feeling that is overwhelming at times. Sometimes you just have to sit and look at these fields to grasp the beauty. You want to just let it all sink in before you move to the next bend. You are pulled by a force that causes you to want to reflect and admire all that the wilderness has to offer. Is this not the same with people? Some portray strength and an unmovable character, and yet beneath the exterior, the fragileness, the vulnerability, and the beauty possessed calls for reflection and admiration, but only those who take the time to spend in the discovery get the privilege of experiencing the beauty of the innermost character."
"Lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, creeks, and little trickles also exist in the mountains offering a different character or perspective that is distinct and refreshing. A person can sit by one of these water oasis to think, contemplate, and get a new perspective on life. A person is a little different when they come away from such a spot. After spending time with a good friend, one is refreshed, gains a different perspective on life, and hopefully goes away just a little different and better for it."
"The mountains have a number of animals that inhabit the land and all have a different image and offer different benefits to their environment. Each one serves a special purpose and the wilderness would not be the same if one was missing. A variety of character traits exist within people, and if one was missing in any one person, that person would not be the same. Within the wilderness it takes time to get to know each animal and their behaviors. Some are harder to find than others, some are more prominent in size compared to those which are smaller, and some are easy to spot. People are not much different. It takes a lot of time wandering in the wilderness of people's lives to know who they truly are as a person. Some character traits are easy to see, others are more difficult to find. Usually the more difficult ones offer the most amazing aspects to each person and they are the core elements hidden down deep in the depths of their soul."
"Seasons give the mountains a special uniqueness. The summers, falls, winters, and springs give a new look and view to the picture. There are differences in colors and shades within each one, the lighting of the days are varied, the feelings for each season alternates and one does not always consistently see the same beautiful scenes every day; they all change, some maybe more enhanced at different times of the year. Awareness of these seasonal changes allows a person to enjoy each special moment and each picture to the fullest. People are the same. Different seasons pepper people's lives and different character traits arise within these seasons. A wall of paintings could be filled with a variety of beautiful pictures of each person, admired by onlookers who take the time to notice."
"Higher elevations involve steeper climbs, more effort, more time, more energy. The terrain at the higher elevations can be very barren with many rocks and crevaces. The only way a person can travel is to take one careful step at a time, place one foot in front of the other, looking at the ground rather than ahead. A person traveling such places hopes the mountain will remain friends with you. You treat the mountain with a greater respect and weather the hardest parts in a careful manner, always focusing on reaching the top where the rewards of your journey will be too difficult to verbally express. Sometimes along the way are icy glaciers to conquer. The possibility of sliding back a few steps always exists, but the consistency, perseverance, and efforts made will be rewarded greatly. There is a special beauty in the thick of the forest, but when one truly wants to push the limits of getting to know a person, the journey is not always lush, restful, or peaceful. Sometimes the closer a person gets to really knowing another, it becomes more difficult, more painful, and more stamina is required. Sadly,many friendships and relationships falter at the higher elevations because the effort and cost is too great."
"The very top offers magnificent, inexpressible views. It must be experienced to truly understand what it is that is so special about such an event. All the energy, the exhaustion, the pain seems to be forgotten as one overlooks the world. And yet, the higher elevations are dangerous because they are even more unpredictable than the lower. The weather patterns from one minute to the next can drastically change. Blue skies can be showing mountain peaks in three dimensional form and five minutes later a blizzard causes you to loose your way. This section of the mountain requires experience and preparation. A person is always prepared for whatever may come when they travel into these tremendous places. After spending enough time among the vulnerability of peaks and mountain tops, a person begins to know how to read the patterns and the signs, so that over time there grows a fondness, a comfortableness, and knowledge to weather such changes. The mountain will only allow the experienced to survive. And yet, many experienced mountaineers have lost their lives. The mountains cannot be tamed. They are wild and they are difficult and can be hazardous. People are not any different. I would not trade the experiences, the beauty, the challenges, and the time invested put into learning and being comfortable with such a place. It is all worth the journey."
"How many dare to venture so close to the wilderness? How many dare to venture deep into people's lives? How many are willing to allow people to venture deep into the wilderness of their souls? The wilderness and mountains have suffered greatly from those who have traveled into them through an uncaring attitude towards nurturing that which God created for our enjoyment. We too, can be tremendously hurt by allowing others in to our lives. I suppose we have to determine if the damage that can be done outweighs the blessings that arise from building relationships with others who walk similar paths."
"The mountains in their own way, even though they can be rugged, harsh, and steep can also be a contrasting picture of strength and gentleness. I tend to relate to mountains for I think that much of who I am is very much like the mountain wilderness. They appear to stand off by themselves, and only those that take the time and have the patience to learn about them know how to approach them, relate to them, and appreciate them. They can be difficult to get to know because the outer appearance has a tendency to intimidate people, but if a person was interested enough they would ifnd the quality of beauty that the mountains have and the vast variety they offer.
"The mountains are your friend for life once you have become acquainted with them and have learned to treat them with respect and admiration. What is it that the mountains have that can so be related to people and friendships?"
"Traveling into the mountains one must always be prepared for the unpredictable, the variety of weather conditions, the beauty of the dense forest and the beauty experienced at the top of the peaks. The lowest sections of the mountains offer a great amount to discover. Fields of wild flowers exhibit life that is tiny, vunlnerable, and precious. It's a beauty that can only be seen if a person gets back into this country. The variety of trees and plants lavish the lower elevations. Within inches something new can be discovered. It is peaceful, quiet, and restful when one is in the midst of all this beauty. It can be hazardous to one's life if one is not familiar with the dangers that do loom among all that is good. A person does not find this gentleness, beauty, color, delicacy, or fragility until they take the time to get back into the areas that no one much tends to venture. Are not people very much like this? Are not friendships full of beauty, discovery, and even danger? On the surface, people are like the mountains and wilderness viewed afar off. It takes adventure, time, and even a daring spirit to get close and discover the unfamiliar."
"The big picture of these mountains are such that they portray great strength and stability, unmovable, unconquering, and yet when you begin to know them they have the tiny, fragile flowers full of brilliance that give a feeling that is overwhelming at times. Sometimes you just have to sit and look at these fields to grasp the beauty. You want to just let it all sink in before you move to the next bend. You are pulled by a force that causes you to want to reflect and admire all that the wilderness has to offer. Is this not the same with people? Some portray strength and an unmovable character, and yet beneath the exterior, the fragileness, the vulnerability, and the beauty possessed calls for reflection and admiration, but only those who take the time to spend in the discovery get the privilege of experiencing the beauty of the innermost character."
"Lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, creeks, and little trickles also exist in the mountains offering a different character or perspective that is distinct and refreshing. A person can sit by one of these water oasis to think, contemplate, and get a new perspective on life. A person is a little different when they come away from such a spot. After spending time with a good friend, one is refreshed, gains a different perspective on life, and hopefully goes away just a little different and better for it."
"The mountains have a number of animals that inhabit the land and all have a different image and offer different benefits to their environment. Each one serves a special purpose and the wilderness would not be the same if one was missing. A variety of character traits exist within people, and if one was missing in any one person, that person would not be the same. Within the wilderness it takes time to get to know each animal and their behaviors. Some are harder to find than others, some are more prominent in size compared to those which are smaller, and some are easy to spot. People are not much different. It takes a lot of time wandering in the wilderness of people's lives to know who they truly are as a person. Some character traits are easy to see, others are more difficult to find. Usually the more difficult ones offer the most amazing aspects to each person and they are the core elements hidden down deep in the depths of their soul."
"Seasons give the mountains a special uniqueness. The summers, falls, winters, and springs give a new look and view to the picture. There are differences in colors and shades within each one, the lighting of the days are varied, the feelings for each season alternates and one does not always consistently see the same beautiful scenes every day; they all change, some maybe more enhanced at different times of the year. Awareness of these seasonal changes allows a person to enjoy each special moment and each picture to the fullest. People are the same. Different seasons pepper people's lives and different character traits arise within these seasons. A wall of paintings could be filled with a variety of beautiful pictures of each person, admired by onlookers who take the time to notice."
"Higher elevations involve steeper climbs, more effort, more time, more energy. The terrain at the higher elevations can be very barren with many rocks and crevaces. The only way a person can travel is to take one careful step at a time, place one foot in front of the other, looking at the ground rather than ahead. A person traveling such places hopes the mountain will remain friends with you. You treat the mountain with a greater respect and weather the hardest parts in a careful manner, always focusing on reaching the top where the rewards of your journey will be too difficult to verbally express. Sometimes along the way are icy glaciers to conquer. The possibility of sliding back a few steps always exists, but the consistency, perseverance, and efforts made will be rewarded greatly. There is a special beauty in the thick of the forest, but when one truly wants to push the limits of getting to know a person, the journey is not always lush, restful, or peaceful. Sometimes the closer a person gets to really knowing another, it becomes more difficult, more painful, and more stamina is required. Sadly,many friendships and relationships falter at the higher elevations because the effort and cost is too great."
"The very top offers magnificent, inexpressible views. It must be experienced to truly understand what it is that is so special about such an event. All the energy, the exhaustion, the pain seems to be forgotten as one overlooks the world. And yet, the higher elevations are dangerous because they are even more unpredictable than the lower. The weather patterns from one minute to the next can drastically change. Blue skies can be showing mountain peaks in three dimensional form and five minutes later a blizzard causes you to loose your way. This section of the mountain requires experience and preparation. A person is always prepared for whatever may come when they travel into these tremendous places. After spending enough time among the vulnerability of peaks and mountain tops, a person begins to know how to read the patterns and the signs, so that over time there grows a fondness, a comfortableness, and knowledge to weather such changes. The mountain will only allow the experienced to survive. And yet, many experienced mountaineers have lost their lives. The mountains cannot be tamed. They are wild and they are difficult and can be hazardous. People are not any different. I would not trade the experiences, the beauty, the challenges, and the time invested put into learning and being comfortable with such a place. It is all worth the journey."
"How many dare to venture so close to the wilderness? How many dare to venture deep into people's lives? How many are willing to allow people to venture deep into the wilderness of their souls? The wilderness and mountains have suffered greatly from those who have traveled into them through an uncaring attitude towards nurturing that which God created for our enjoyment. We too, can be tremendously hurt by allowing others in to our lives. I suppose we have to determine if the damage that can be done outweighs the blessings that arise from building relationships with others who walk similar paths."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A LOSS FOR WORDS
A first in a very long time...I am at a loss for words this morning. Our adventure of camping at Lake Roosevelt this past weekend has been told; pictures have been posted; the house has been cleaned; books have not been read this week; and I sit here in a kind of bla state. The blaness flows more from a lack of enthusiasm I suppose. We enjoyed a wonderful time together as a family on the campout, and the rest of the week seems to just be lingering along. Nothing especially wrong with lingering except the lingering did not serve stimulation of any kind. It's as if life has been suspended for a time, and we, the objects of that suspension, just wait to be dropped where God wants us. However, during this suspension God has been working, and this is something that can be shared.
1. He provided an answer by allowing child services to choose another family to place two children whom we have been waiting for over the past month to have in our home. We knew this could be a possibility, but it still leaves a bit of a hole in the emotions. Others are of his choosing, or perhaps it is an experience that will be used elsewhere in our lives.
2. After many attempts in the past, we finally have health care for our children. A huge blessing needless to say. On top of this blessing, the health care benefits are retro-active back to January, covering a $300 physical for our son required for the Boy Scout's summer camp in the next week and a half.
3. Dale put a lead in to his company for a possible sale and it sold this past week, allowing him to receive a percentage back from that sale, paying for another unexpected expense accrued.
4. My vacuum cleaner went out three weeks ago and we have not been able to replace it. A friend generously lent me hers yesterday and now my floors are clean! Truly a blessing. You know that you've gone over the edge just a bit when tears come to your eyes because you now have clean floors.
5. We received a substantial financial gift this morning that will help us get the rest of the required items for our home to become fully licensed to foster/adopt.
Even though life has seemed suspended, God is working and for that we are thankful and count our blessings. How does God work in your life when it seems like you may be spinning your wheels or hanging in anticipation of God's plans for your life?
1. He provided an answer by allowing child services to choose another family to place two children whom we have been waiting for over the past month to have in our home. We knew this could be a possibility, but it still leaves a bit of a hole in the emotions. Others are of his choosing, or perhaps it is an experience that will be used elsewhere in our lives.
2. After many attempts in the past, we finally have health care for our children. A huge blessing needless to say. On top of this blessing, the health care benefits are retro-active back to January, covering a $300 physical for our son required for the Boy Scout's summer camp in the next week and a half.
3. Dale put a lead in to his company for a possible sale and it sold this past week, allowing him to receive a percentage back from that sale, paying for another unexpected expense accrued.
4. My vacuum cleaner went out three weeks ago and we have not been able to replace it. A friend generously lent me hers yesterday and now my floors are clean! Truly a blessing. You know that you've gone over the edge just a bit when tears come to your eyes because you now have clean floors.
5. We received a substantial financial gift this morning that will help us get the rest of the required items for our home to become fully licensed to foster/adopt.
Even though life has seemed suspended, God is working and for that we are thankful and count our blessings. How does God work in your life when it seems like you may be spinning your wheels or hanging in anticipation of God's plans for your life?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
PRAYER
One of the books I am currently reading touches on the aspect of prayer and answered requests, a fitting subject as we reminisce over the past year.
"There is no doubt that the people of God are meant to have answers to prayer. there is no doubt that we are meant to pray, believing that He is able to answer...There should be a personal trail behind us - like wet footprints on the sand, or a line of grass clippings which slip out of our grasp as we carry them along a path, or ski marks on unbroken snow down a mountainside. We should be able to look back and gain courage to go on because of the trail of answered prayer."
Edith Schaeffer
"Afflictions"
What importance does prayer play into your life? If you were to log a journal entry of the answered prayers in your life over the past 10 years, would you fill up one line, one page, ten pages, a whole book? In a friend's blog there is written a post on making a difference in this world, (something I recommend reading; there is link to his blog from my own), and I wonder if our prayer life is making as much or more of a difference as our tithe, our service, our church attendance, and so forth. One could continue adding to this list indefinitely. Could it be that prayer is one of those elements that gets put on the back burner because the tangibility of such an unseen cause does not provide immediate reward? Prayer takes effort, time, and energy. It's easy to stick an envelope with money in the mail or in the church offering. It's easy to take a meal to someone who is sick. The immediate rewards cause us to feel good, but in prayer we may never know the difference we make in other people's lives. And yet, I wonder if when we get to heaven many will thank us for the prayers we offered up on their behalf, even those whom we never met. I wonder if God will consider the greatest work on earth consisted of the prayers we offered up and for which we received answers, both known or unknown. How many footprints of answered prayers could be left behind as you walk in the sand? How long is your trail of answered prayers as you walk on the path of life? How much courage or encouragement do we lack because we do not see God working? Could it be because we are not engaged in prayer as often as we should?
As I think back upon this past year, I am encouraged to see the answers to prayer God has given in our lives. However, may He strengthen my prayer life so that my trail or footprints of answered prayers will continue to make a difference all around me.
"There is no doubt that the people of God are meant to have answers to prayer. there is no doubt that we are meant to pray, believing that He is able to answer...There should be a personal trail behind us - like wet footprints on the sand, or a line of grass clippings which slip out of our grasp as we carry them along a path, or ski marks on unbroken snow down a mountainside. We should be able to look back and gain courage to go on because of the trail of answered prayer."
Edith Schaeffer
"Afflictions"
What importance does prayer play into your life? If you were to log a journal entry of the answered prayers in your life over the past 10 years, would you fill up one line, one page, ten pages, a whole book? In a friend's blog there is written a post on making a difference in this world, (something I recommend reading; there is link to his blog from my own), and I wonder if our prayer life is making as much or more of a difference as our tithe, our service, our church attendance, and so forth. One could continue adding to this list indefinitely. Could it be that prayer is one of those elements that gets put on the back burner because the tangibility of such an unseen cause does not provide immediate reward? Prayer takes effort, time, and energy. It's easy to stick an envelope with money in the mail or in the church offering. It's easy to take a meal to someone who is sick. The immediate rewards cause us to feel good, but in prayer we may never know the difference we make in other people's lives. And yet, I wonder if when we get to heaven many will thank us for the prayers we offered up on their behalf, even those whom we never met. I wonder if God will consider the greatest work on earth consisted of the prayers we offered up and for which we received answers, both known or unknown. How many footprints of answered prayers could be left behind as you walk in the sand? How long is your trail of answered prayers as you walk on the path of life? How much courage or encouragement do we lack because we do not see God working? Could it be because we are not engaged in prayer as often as we should?
As I think back upon this past year, I am encouraged to see the answers to prayer God has given in our lives. However, may He strengthen my prayer life so that my trail or footprints of answered prayers will continue to make a difference all around me.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS
May 31, 2009
My time has been used in reading, keeping house, and encouraging our children to continue to not waste time in their education. One of the books I completed reading this past week left me in tears in response to one of the best love stories I have ever read...only to end with the woman dying in the end. What makes for vibrant relationships? What keeps two people in love? What draws two people together? What keeps two people together for a lifetime in complete blyss? A passage from this book expresses the answers to these questions. How many of us truly have relationships like this? Is a relationship described below attainable, or do just a few in this world have the joy of entering into such ecstasy?
'"Look," we said, "what is it that draws two people into closeness and love? Of course there's the mystery of physical attraction, but beyond that it's the things they share. We both love strawberries and ships and collies and poems and all beauty, and all those things bind us together. Those sharings just happened to be; but what we must do now is share everything. Everything! If one of us likes anything, there must be something to like in it - and the other one must find it. Every single thing that either of us likes. That way we shall create a thousand strands, great and small, that will link us together. Then we shall be so close that it would be impossible - unthinkable - for either of us to suppose that we could ever recreate such closeness with anyone else. And our trust in each other will not only be based on love and loyalty but on the fact of a thousand sharings - a thousand strands twisted into something unbreakable."
Our enthusiasm grew as we talked. Total sharing, we felt, was the ultimate secret of a love that would last for ever...Through sharing we would not only make a bond of incredible friendship, but through sharing we would keep the magic of inloveness. And with every year, more and more depth. We would become as close as two human beings could become - closer perhaps than any two people had ever been...
How is your marriage? Does it carry a vibrancy such as described above? Through the book this couple took joy in the sharing and it did not seem like work. Abandoning self to partake in the other's life and enter into their world. If two people are united in this goal, could it be that more marriages might survive? Could it be that more marriages might be more joyous? Is it possible to create this kind of love after 20 years of marriage? Can it be attained if only one person strives for such aliveness in the relationship? I challenge all of us to consider how we can create a thousand strands that twist together so as not to be torn apart. Perhaps there are those relationships which cannot be mended so tightly, and perhaps we have to come to grips with the reality of that, for which we yearn as expressed above cannot be fully known here on earth, but is waiting for us in heaven.
My time has been used in reading, keeping house, and encouraging our children to continue to not waste time in their education. One of the books I completed reading this past week left me in tears in response to one of the best love stories I have ever read...only to end with the woman dying in the end. What makes for vibrant relationships? What keeps two people in love? What draws two people together? What keeps two people together for a lifetime in complete blyss? A passage from this book expresses the answers to these questions. How many of us truly have relationships like this? Is a relationship described below attainable, or do just a few in this world have the joy of entering into such ecstasy?
'"Look," we said, "what is it that draws two people into closeness and love? Of course there's the mystery of physical attraction, but beyond that it's the things they share. We both love strawberries and ships and collies and poems and all beauty, and all those things bind us together. Those sharings just happened to be; but what we must do now is share everything. Everything! If one of us likes anything, there must be something to like in it - and the other one must find it. Every single thing that either of us likes. That way we shall create a thousand strands, great and small, that will link us together. Then we shall be so close that it would be impossible - unthinkable - for either of us to suppose that we could ever recreate such closeness with anyone else. And our trust in each other will not only be based on love and loyalty but on the fact of a thousand sharings - a thousand strands twisted into something unbreakable."
Our enthusiasm grew as we talked. Total sharing, we felt, was the ultimate secret of a love that would last for ever...Through sharing we would not only make a bond of incredible friendship, but through sharing we would keep the magic of inloveness. And with every year, more and more depth. We would become as close as two human beings could become - closer perhaps than any two people had ever been...
How is your marriage? Does it carry a vibrancy such as described above? Through the book this couple took joy in the sharing and it did not seem like work. Abandoning self to partake in the other's life and enter into their world. If two people are united in this goal, could it be that more marriages might survive? Could it be that more marriages might be more joyous? Is it possible to create this kind of love after 20 years of marriage? Can it be attained if only one person strives for such aliveness in the relationship? I challenge all of us to consider how we can create a thousand strands that twist together so as not to be torn apart. Perhaps there are those relationships which cannot be mended so tightly, and perhaps we have to come to grips with the reality of that, for which we yearn as expressed above cannot be fully known here on earth, but is waiting for us in heaven.
FINAL GOALS
March 26, 2009
This past week I heard a quote that intrigued me, and once again my juices of thought began to overflow.
"Anything that refreshes you without distracting, diminishing, or destroying your final goal is a legitimate pleasure."
Revi Zacharias
The importance of knowing at all times what the final goal is to which we are striving focuses everything we do in this life. I already have emailed this to a friend this past week, and I may have even included it on Facebook, but it worth repeating. Mr. Zacharias explains that God is a God of pleasure, he wants us to experience pleasures in this life, but within the context of that which will accomplish the goal that God has set before us. An answer in the catechism to the question..."Why has God created us?" is answered with..."To love him and glorify him forever." But are we to just sit around on our haunches enjoying God? Mr. Zacharias encourages people to spend time thinking and then annunciating for what we have been placed on this earth to do? What is it that God has specifically given you to do in this life that will cause you to love him more and glorify him? And when you establish the goal that you know God desires for you to accomplish on this earth, then everything is filtered through that goal. The activities you choose will be a pleasure to you if they only help to accomplish this final goal. Anything can be pleasurable, of course for the Christian, within God's standards, but if that pleasure interferes with the final goal, for you it is not a "legitimate pleasure."
Are we a very focused people knowing exactly what God has for us in this life?
Are we disciplined to carry out that goal, no matter how difficult?
Does establishing a strong focus and definite goal make our choices easier or more difficult?
Providing such a focus, does this create a more peaceful life or a life full of tension because of choices we have to make, much of which includes or does not include people around us?
Is there freedom, love, and grace in determining to live such a focused life in contrast to a possible legalistic lifestyle?
The questions could be endless, but what do you think? In contemplating this statement this week, the more I find myself agreeing with it. Would love to hear your thoughts in light of the world in which we live
This past week I heard a quote that intrigued me, and once again my juices of thought began to overflow.
"Anything that refreshes you without distracting, diminishing, or destroying your final goal is a legitimate pleasure."
Revi Zacharias
The importance of knowing at all times what the final goal is to which we are striving focuses everything we do in this life. I already have emailed this to a friend this past week, and I may have even included it on Facebook, but it worth repeating. Mr. Zacharias explains that God is a God of pleasure, he wants us to experience pleasures in this life, but within the context of that which will accomplish the goal that God has set before us. An answer in the catechism to the question..."Why has God created us?" is answered with..."To love him and glorify him forever." But are we to just sit around on our haunches enjoying God? Mr. Zacharias encourages people to spend time thinking and then annunciating for what we have been placed on this earth to do? What is it that God has specifically given you to do in this life that will cause you to love him more and glorify him? And when you establish the goal that you know God desires for you to accomplish on this earth, then everything is filtered through that goal. The activities you choose will be a pleasure to you if they only help to accomplish this final goal. Anything can be pleasurable, of course for the Christian, within God's standards, but if that pleasure interferes with the final goal, for you it is not a "legitimate pleasure."
Are we a very focused people knowing exactly what God has for us in this life?
Are we disciplined to carry out that goal, no matter how difficult?
Does establishing a strong focus and definite goal make our choices easier or more difficult?
Providing such a focus, does this create a more peaceful life or a life full of tension because of choices we have to make, much of which includes or does not include people around us?
Is there freedom, love, and grace in determining to live such a focused life in contrast to a possible legalistic lifestyle?
The questions could be endless, but what do you think? In contemplating this statement this week, the more I find myself agreeing with it. Would love to hear your thoughts in light of the world in which we live
GARDENS OF LIFE
March 20, 2009
Spring is finally making its earliest appearances. The weather still bears a chill, but the warmth of the sun and the constant migration of the Canadian geese are welcomed signs. They stir excitement in the bones and a new desire to make the most of all the daylight hours. As spring arrives, so do newly planted gardens, flowers that have kept their heads hidden beneath the dirt, and baby buds on trees. I ran across this quote last year and have kept it tucked away until just the right moment. It seems to me that raising children and interacting with one another, even as adults, the principles of this quote are quite applicable. What do you think?
QUOTE:
"Seedlings are pampered in the beginning to assure a healthy start, and then allowed to grow freely. Plants thrive on this benign neglect."
We pamper flowers by taking gentle care to nurture them. We water them frequently. We feed them. We use just the right soil for each kind of flower. We check on them regularly. We remove the obstacles that would keep them from growing.
As they mature, they don't need as much attention. But, we do enjoy watching them. We treasure their beauty. We enjoy being amongst them. We also take care to trim and cut away any deadness that prohibits them from being the most beautiful flowers they can be. However, as children become adults, we no longer have the same relationship with them as we did when they were children. There is a time when we let them be who they are going to be, release them to the freedom in which God created them to have, so that they can become the beauty that God has created them to be. Somehow though, parents are never too far away.
Is this not the same principle in our relationships with each other? We experience one another's beauty by taking pleasure and enjoyment from being amongst one another. We nurture each other through gentle confrontations as needed. And we sit back amazed at all the various flowers people represent; their colors, their aromas, and the different types. The world is full of God's beauty and creativity
Spring is finally making its earliest appearances. The weather still bears a chill, but the warmth of the sun and the constant migration of the Canadian geese are welcomed signs. They stir excitement in the bones and a new desire to make the most of all the daylight hours. As spring arrives, so do newly planted gardens, flowers that have kept their heads hidden beneath the dirt, and baby buds on trees. I ran across this quote last year and have kept it tucked away until just the right moment. It seems to me that raising children and interacting with one another, even as adults, the principles of this quote are quite applicable. What do you think?
QUOTE:
"Seedlings are pampered in the beginning to assure a healthy start, and then allowed to grow freely. Plants thrive on this benign neglect."
We pamper flowers by taking gentle care to nurture them. We water them frequently. We feed them. We use just the right soil for each kind of flower. We check on them regularly. We remove the obstacles that would keep them from growing.
As they mature, they don't need as much attention. But, we do enjoy watching them. We treasure their beauty. We enjoy being amongst them. We also take care to trim and cut away any deadness that prohibits them from being the most beautiful flowers they can be. However, as children become adults, we no longer have the same relationship with them as we did when they were children. There is a time when we let them be who they are going to be, release them to the freedom in which God created them to have, so that they can become the beauty that God has created them to be. Somehow though, parents are never too far away.
Is this not the same principle in our relationships with each other? We experience one another's beauty by taking pleasure and enjoyment from being amongst one another. We nurture each other through gentle confrontations as needed. And we sit back amazed at all the various flowers people represent; their colors, their aromas, and the different types. The world is full of God's beauty and creativity
CONCEPT GRASPED, EXECUTION ALLUSIVE
March 13, 2009
"The concept is grasped, but the execution is a little allusive."
I've been tossing this idea around for some time, wondering why it has caught so much of my attention. Perhaps it is because so much of life is wrapped up in this one line. Concepts at each stage of life tend to be understood mentally. A baby learning to feed itself, begins to understand that they must get a utensil to their mouth for the food to go in, but HOW to make that happen is not always the easiest thing. A four year old learning to ride a bike understands that to ride you must push the pedals in a circular motion, and yet HOW to actually make that happen can be a puzzle. How much of our Christian walk do we understand in our heads...yes, we are to obey God's commands, and for the most part we can even understand the reasons behind them, and yet, so many times we find ourselves asking God "but, HOW" do we execute these commands? In an ever-changing world, the way we execute God's commands in our lives can look so different from even 200 years ago. I am so glad to know that my God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that when the execution of His word is a little allusive, I can count on Him to give guidance and wisdom in HOW to get the grasped concept into a practical application.
"The concept is grasped, but the execution is a little allusive."
I've been tossing this idea around for some time, wondering why it has caught so much of my attention. Perhaps it is because so much of life is wrapped up in this one line. Concepts at each stage of life tend to be understood mentally. A baby learning to feed itself, begins to understand that they must get a utensil to their mouth for the food to go in, but HOW to make that happen is not always the easiest thing. A four year old learning to ride a bike understands that to ride you must push the pedals in a circular motion, and yet HOW to actually make that happen can be a puzzle. How much of our Christian walk do we understand in our heads...yes, we are to obey God's commands, and for the most part we can even understand the reasons behind them, and yet, so many times we find ourselves asking God "but, HOW" do we execute these commands? In an ever-changing world, the way we execute God's commands in our lives can look so different from even 200 years ago. I am so glad to know that my God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that when the execution of His word is a little allusive, I can count on Him to give guidance and wisdom in HOW to get the grasped concept into a practical application.
QUILT OF HOLES
After an hour or so discussing some challenges with our daughter this morning, a friend, and I call her a friend even though I have not met her in person, corresponding with her off and on over the last three plus years gives me permission to call her a friend, sent an email minutes after this lengthy discussion, and it could not have been more perfect. I'd like to share this with each of you today. May it encourage your hearts and I pray that it can be something that you may be able to use to share with someone in your life who needs a new perspective on the challenges they face in this life as well. May the face of Christ be seen in each of our lives.
Quilt of Holes As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painf ully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life....it's up t o you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. .....When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.
Quilt of Holes As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painf ully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life....it's up t o you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. .....When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.
BLESSINGS
February 12, 2009
All of the past week's events brought to mind the many blessings in life, and yet so many times we take them for granted. I loved how Elisabeth Elliot has touched on this thought as well in her book "A Quiet Heart." Below are some thought from her, and may you be encouraged this week to consider the blessings in your life, that perhaps you overlook or take for granted.
"-the intricate, delicate mechanism of the lungs steadily and silently taking in fresh air eighteen to twenty times a minute;
"-the untiring heart, pumping great quantities of clean blood through the labyrinth of blood vessels;
"-the constant body temperature, normally varying less than one degree;
"-the atmospheric temperature, varying widely it is true, but never so much as to destroy human and animal life;
"-the orderly succession of day and night, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, so that, with few exceptions, man can make his plans accordingly;
"-the great variety of foods, from the farm, the field, the forest, and the sea, to suit our differing desires and physical needs;
"-the beauties of each day-the morning star and growing light of sunrise, the white clouds of afternoon, the soft tints of a peaceful sunset, and the glory of the starry heavens;
"-the symphony of early morning bird songs, ranging from the unmusical trill of the chipping sparrow to the lilting ecstasy of the goldfinch and the calm, rich, bell-like tones of the wood and hermit thrushes;
"-the refreshment that sleep brings;
"-the simple joys of home-the children's laughter and whimsical remarks, happy times around the table, the love and understanding of husband and wife, and the harmony of voices raised together in praise to God.
"All these and many others come from the bountiful hand of Him 'who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:4,5).
Enjoy the many blessings that are bestowed upon you in the upcoming week, and may you consider them to be good gifts given to you by God. Our country, our world, may be in economical hardships, but there are always those blessings each and every day that reminds us that life is still good.
All of the past week's events brought to mind the many blessings in life, and yet so many times we take them for granted. I loved how Elisabeth Elliot has touched on this thought as well in her book "A Quiet Heart." Below are some thought from her, and may you be encouraged this week to consider the blessings in your life, that perhaps you overlook or take for granted.
"-the intricate, delicate mechanism of the lungs steadily and silently taking in fresh air eighteen to twenty times a minute;
"-the untiring heart, pumping great quantities of clean blood through the labyrinth of blood vessels;
"-the constant body temperature, normally varying less than one degree;
"-the atmospheric temperature, varying widely it is true, but never so much as to destroy human and animal life;
"-the orderly succession of day and night, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, so that, with few exceptions, man can make his plans accordingly;
"-the great variety of foods, from the farm, the field, the forest, and the sea, to suit our differing desires and physical needs;
"-the beauties of each day-the morning star and growing light of sunrise, the white clouds of afternoon, the soft tints of a peaceful sunset, and the glory of the starry heavens;
"-the symphony of early morning bird songs, ranging from the unmusical trill of the chipping sparrow to the lilting ecstasy of the goldfinch and the calm, rich, bell-like tones of the wood and hermit thrushes;
"-the refreshment that sleep brings;
"-the simple joys of home-the children's laughter and whimsical remarks, happy times around the table, the love and understanding of husband and wife, and the harmony of voices raised together in praise to God.
"All these and many others come from the bountiful hand of Him 'who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:4,5).
Enjoy the many blessings that are bestowed upon you in the upcoming week, and may you consider them to be good gifts given to you by God. Our country, our world, may be in economical hardships, but there are always those blessings each and every day that reminds us that life is still good.
HUMILITY
January 28, 2009
I have to mention that last week's post created some of the most diverse and interactive response in the three or four years these weekly emails have endured. The discussions were great, and some still are waiting replies. This week, in my readings, there was something written on humility. See what you think I would love to interact with your ideas on the subject. Somewhat lengthy, but well worth considering.
What we suffer from today is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert - himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt - the Divine Reason...The new skeptic is so humble that he doubts if he can learn...There is a real humility typical of our time; but is so happens that it's practically a more poisonous humility than the wildest prostrations of the ascetic...The old humility made a man doubtful about his efforts, which might make him work harder. But the new humility makes a man doubtful about his aims, which make him stop working altogether...We are on the road to producing a race of man too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table.
Modern-day humility is firmly rooted in the relativism that recoils from knowing truth and naming error. But that is not what humility used to mean. Well, if humility is not compliance with the popular demands of relativism, what is it?...
1. Humility begins with a sense of subordination to God in Christ.
2. Humility does not feel it has a right to better treatment than Jesus got.
3. Humility asserts truth not to bolster the ego with control or with triumphs in debate, but as service to Christ and love to the adversary.
4. Humility knows it is dependent on grace for all knowing and believing.
5. Humility knows it is fallible, and so considers criticism and learns from it; bit also knows that God has made provision for human conviction and that He calls us to persuade others.
I have to mention that last week's post created some of the most diverse and interactive response in the three or four years these weekly emails have endured. The discussions were great, and some still are waiting replies. This week, in my readings, there was something written on humility. See what you think I would love to interact with your ideas on the subject. Somewhat lengthy, but well worth considering.
What we suffer from today is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert - himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt - the Divine Reason...The new skeptic is so humble that he doubts if he can learn...There is a real humility typical of our time; but is so happens that it's practically a more poisonous humility than the wildest prostrations of the ascetic...The old humility made a man doubtful about his efforts, which might make him work harder. But the new humility makes a man doubtful about his aims, which make him stop working altogether...We are on the road to producing a race of man too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table.
Modern-day humility is firmly rooted in the relativism that recoils from knowing truth and naming error. But that is not what humility used to mean. Well, if humility is not compliance with the popular demands of relativism, what is it?...
1. Humility begins with a sense of subordination to God in Christ.
2. Humility does not feel it has a right to better treatment than Jesus got.
3. Humility asserts truth not to bolster the ego with control or with triumphs in debate, but as service to Christ and love to the adversary.
4. Humility knows it is dependent on grace for all knowing and believing.
5. Humility knows it is fallible, and so considers criticism and learns from it; bit also knows that God has made provision for human conviction and that He calls us to persuade others.
CHRISTIAN OR NOT?
This past week brought about a question that touches on the question of "How can unbelievers look at times more like Christians, than Christians themselves are supposed to act?" Meaning, there are many Christians who do not behave as Christians ought, and yet there are unbelievers who behave more like Christians in their good works. I hadn't really contemplated this much recently, although it has crossed my mind several times in my life, but a comment was made out of the blue that again caused some thought. The comment is presented below. I throw it out there, more as thought provoking material, and wonder what some of you might think of it, not because I am seeking answers, rather, just to see what others have to say.
COMMENT:
"We can do good works on our own, but we can't do eternal work on our own. We need a power greater than ourselves to do eternal work."
A study in Colossians 1 is where this comment arises.
I ask you, would this provide an answer to those who claim that even unbelievers can do good works? Besides the motivation, is there a difference between an unbeliever's good works and a believers? Can unbelievers do good works? If so what kind of good works are accomplished? Works such as offering financial assistance to those in need, working to relieve hunger around the world, helping in rebuilding disaster areas, are these good works even by unbelievers? Visiting older parents in a retirement center, providing for one's family, taking a meal to a sick neighbor, are these good works? Even some unbelievers would claim that these good works were not selfishly motivated. Would you look them in the eye and tell them that they were wrong and that their good works did not count for anything because they were selfish just from the fact that they are an unbeliever? Do not Christians perform good works out of selfish motivations? If so, does this differ with the good works unbelievers do? How would you explain the difference between an unbeliever's good works with that of a believer's? Does the above comment offer any explanation?
Again, I don't pose these questions because I am in a personal struggle in the matter. It's a topic for conversation and something to challenge every person's thinking. Call it table conversation. What do you think?
COMMENT:
"We can do good works on our own, but we can't do eternal work on our own. We need a power greater than ourselves to do eternal work."
A study in Colossians 1 is where this comment arises.
I ask you, would this provide an answer to those who claim that even unbelievers can do good works? Besides the motivation, is there a difference between an unbeliever's good works and a believers? Can unbelievers do good works? If so what kind of good works are accomplished? Works such as offering financial assistance to those in need, working to relieve hunger around the world, helping in rebuilding disaster areas, are these good works even by unbelievers? Visiting older parents in a retirement center, providing for one's family, taking a meal to a sick neighbor, are these good works? Even some unbelievers would claim that these good works were not selfishly motivated. Would you look them in the eye and tell them that they were wrong and that their good works did not count for anything because they were selfish just from the fact that they are an unbeliever? Do not Christians perform good works out of selfish motivations? If so, does this differ with the good works unbelievers do? How would you explain the difference between an unbeliever's good works with that of a believer's? Does the above comment offer any explanation?
Again, I don't pose these questions because I am in a personal struggle in the matter. It's a topic for conversation and something to challenge every person's thinking. Call it table conversation. What do you think?
ALIVE IN CHRIST
Are we alive in Christ? There is only one instrument that creates, detects, and confirms eternal life in the soul of man; namely, the Word of God...What does this living and effective Word do? It pierces (Hebrews 4:12). For what purpose? To divide. To divide what? Soul and spirit. What does that mean?
The writer gives an analogy: It's like dividing joints and marrow. Joints are the thick, hard outer part of the bone. Marrow is the soft, tender, living inner part of the bone. That is an analogy of "soul and spirit." The Word of God is like a sword that is sharp enough to cut through the outer, hard, tough part of a bone to the inner, soft living part of the bone. Some swords, less sharp, may strike a bone and glance off and not penetrate. Some swords may penetrate partway through the tough, thick joint of a bone. But a very sharp, powerful double-edged sword (sharp on each side of the point) will penetrate the joint all the way to the marrow. "Soul and spirit" are like "bone joint and bone marrow." "Soul" is that invisible dimension of our life that we are by nature. "Spirit" is what we are by supernatural rebirth...Without the awakening, creative, regenerating work of the Spirit of God in us we are merely "natural" rather than "spiritual..." So the "spirit" is that invisible dimension of our life that we are by the regenerating work of the Spirt.
What then is the point in saying that the Word of God pierces to the "division of soul and spirit?" The point is that it's the Word of God that reveals to us our true selves. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Are we born of God and spiritually alive, or are we deceiving ourselves and spiritually dead? Are the "thoughts and intentions of our hearts" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Only the "word of God" can "judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12)
Practically speaking, when we read or hear "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. Is there marrow and life in our bones? Or are we only a "skeleton" with no living marrow? Is there "spirit," or only "soul?" The Word of God pierces deep enough to show us the truth of our thoughts and our motives and our selves.
Give yourselves to this Word of God, the Bible. Use it to know yourself and confirm your own spiritual life. If there is life, there will be love and joy and a heart to obey the Word. Give yourself to this Word so that your words become the Word of God for others and reveal to them their own spiritual condition. Then in the wound of the Word, pour the balm of the Word.
These words are not mine, they are from a great writer, one whom I will mention at your request if you so desire. Make this your New Year's resolution, to allow God to pierce your soul and spirit, allowing you to come to grips with whether you are spiritual or only natural, and then turning your heart to God and allowing His love to overflow into your life this new year.
The writer gives an analogy: It's like dividing joints and marrow. Joints are the thick, hard outer part of the bone. Marrow is the soft, tender, living inner part of the bone. That is an analogy of "soul and spirit." The Word of God is like a sword that is sharp enough to cut through the outer, hard, tough part of a bone to the inner, soft living part of the bone. Some swords, less sharp, may strike a bone and glance off and not penetrate. Some swords may penetrate partway through the tough, thick joint of a bone. But a very sharp, powerful double-edged sword (sharp on each side of the point) will penetrate the joint all the way to the marrow. "Soul and spirit" are like "bone joint and bone marrow." "Soul" is that invisible dimension of our life that we are by nature. "Spirit" is what we are by supernatural rebirth...Without the awakening, creative, regenerating work of the Spirit of God in us we are merely "natural" rather than "spiritual..." So the "spirit" is that invisible dimension of our life that we are by the regenerating work of the Spirt.
What then is the point in saying that the Word of God pierces to the "division of soul and spirit?" The point is that it's the Word of God that reveals to us our true selves. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Are we born of God and spiritually alive, or are we deceiving ourselves and spiritually dead? Are the "thoughts and intentions of our hearts" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Only the "word of God" can "judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12)
Practically speaking, when we read or hear "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. Is there marrow and life in our bones? Or are we only a "skeleton" with no living marrow? Is there "spirit," or only "soul?" The Word of God pierces deep enough to show us the truth of our thoughts and our motives and our selves.
Give yourselves to this Word of God, the Bible. Use it to know yourself and confirm your own spiritual life. If there is life, there will be love and joy and a heart to obey the Word. Give yourself to this Word so that your words become the Word of God for others and reveal to them their own spiritual condition. Then in the wound of the Word, pour the balm of the Word.
These words are not mine, they are from a great writer, one whom I will mention at your request if you so desire. Make this your New Year's resolution, to allow God to pierce your soul and spirit, allowing you to come to grips with whether you are spiritual or only natural, and then turning your heart to God and allowing His love to overflow into your life this new year.
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